Today Lauren is setting the stage for a new series that encourages a shift from managing behavioral chaos to building meaningful connections, especially in classrooms. Lauren uses examples from her personal experience to illustrate how the idea of connection as biologically essential and the foundation for all emotional regulation shows up in the real world.

Lauren offers simple, practical routines to foster connection: consistent morning greetings, regular emotional check-ins, and environmental cues like soft lighting and cozy corners. She also suggests using humor or music during transitions to create moments of connection. These practices send safety signals to the brain, making regulation and re-direction more effective. Over time, small, consistent changes can reduce dysregulation and help children feel more secure and supported.

Try it at Home Tip: Choose one connection ritual for the age group you work with and implement it in your classroom.

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Other related resources from Five Ives:

Blog Post:

• Why Traditional Employee Wellness Programs Fail (And What Works Instead)
• Survive Mode: Recognizing When Your Organization is in Crisis
• What are the Five Ives?

Podcast:

• Part 2: Behavior isn't the Problem
• Part 1: Behavior isn't the Problem
• Hive- The Last Stage of the Five Ives
• Thrive- The Fourth Stage of the Five Ives
• Strive- The Third Stage of the Five Ives
• Revive- The Second Stage of the Five Ives
• Survive- The First Stage of the Five Ives
• What are the Five Ives?
• A Five Category Regulation Framework - Five Ives!

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